Tom’s Used Books

Absolutely love this bookstore located in downtown Lodi. Tom and the rest of the staff are always very helpful, and the selection of genres offered is exceptional, as are the prices.
One can easily spend hours browsing the selections, and one is never felt «rushed» while doing so.

I love this store. Endless sections of books and cats?! I’m in heaven. I could spend hours in this store.

Lots of really great deals. Dvd’s, vhs, books on just about everything… And at least a few friendly felines to help persuade you to linger a while and do some serious shopping. All of the cats are friendly (so is the staff). Jackson Galaxy would love this place… It’s «catified!» Always great to hang out here before or after a movie… or lunch in downtown Lodi.

I absolutely love this place! The variety of books is just astounding, and you can’t beat the price. I’ve found wonderful books here many times and the man upfront, who I believe is Tom, is really a kind and interesting man. He definitely starts some interesting conversations. I would definitely come here more often if I lived in Lodi.

Does anyone know what Tom’s book store in lodi, ca off of school st. return policy is on new books? And, have a reciept?

I seriously LOVE this place! I usually only visit Lodi a few times throughout the year since I now live in San Diego. I’m slowly finding places that I love to visit when I come home. Usually I would buy used books from Book Off in San Diego, but sometimes it’s hard finding the books I want.
My first visit here, I was welcomed by the cats that lounge around, they are so sweet. The music that plays is mellow, giving the perfect vibe to walk through the store and discover their collection of books. There 2 huge rooms with shelves full of books, some books may even be in piles because their collection is huge. The whole time, there were many people who came in to buy books, which gives this place a great sense of community.
Though it could be overwhelming at first, definitely talk to the staff at the counter, they will help you out, the young lady that helped me pointed out the bargain section and I was hooked! Their bargain section has $ 1.00 used books, from romance to many brilliant novels. There are also used books that are about half off depending on market price (but definitely from $ 1-​$ 6). The section closest to the front door holds their new books which usually has the most recent books that have been turned into movies.
Overall, I seriously could spend a good hour or two just looking at the books and finding good reads. The books are separated by genre and in alphabetical order of the author so it was easy to navigate through. I found great #1 best sellers and came out with a pile of books I can’t wait to read, at very reasonable prices, all books were in really great condition. I would definitely come back again whenever I am in Lodi, spending here is a nice way to support local business :) besides cheap books and cats, what could be better!
Here’s what I got: All in great condition btw
$ 1.00 — Monk Mystery novel (used)
$ 1.00 — Dan Brown Deception Point (used)
$ 1.00 — Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code (Like new)
$ 3.00 — Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Like new)
$ 3.00 — Nicholas Sparks The Guardian (used)
$ 3.00 — Nicholas Sparks The Lucky One (like new)
$ 7.00 — Percy Jackson book 1 (new)
$ 4.00 — Children’s book (new)

Tom’s Used Book Store is a rare gem, a used bookstore that has a great selection, but exudes an atmosphere that makes it a pleasure to simply browse. So many of these small book stores have disappeared over the years, but Tom’s store still endures. I’m not sure why, but inside it feels like home — even the many cats in the place seem to welcome you.
I have yet to go in to Tom’s and not come out with at least one book. If Tom is at the front counter, I’ll probably have a conversation with him as well.
I like that I can find some great new books (came across a nice hardcover of a Neil Gaiman book recently), but also some amazing hard cover collections.
I just found an eight volume hardcover set of Master Plots, with information on over 3,000 plots from books, plays, and films. It’s a rare and wonderful find — and not something that you’d ever find at a Barnes and Noble.
I also like that he gives some of the local kids jobs during the summer, all of whom have been friendly and helpful.
So if you are in Lodi and have some time, stop by Tom’s — chances are you’ll find something new to add to your bookshelf.

Im in Lodi for my cousin’s middle school basketball game & while on a break we went to eat & after went to Tom’s books just to look around. We like to read & such. It’s a typical used book store & there’s like 4 cats roaming the place which was kinda cool (not for those with allergies). So I’m with my 2 little cousins & my aunt & we’re looking around for books. Meanwhile the store clerk & his associate aren’t talking to us but are stocking the shelves & I’m not paying them any mind. I didn’t notice they kept stocking books near me, but I had no reason to notice them as I’m just looking for books. I’m about to buy like 3 biography & entertainment books & my cousin shouts «Tia we gotta go! They’re racist in here» Apparently Tom or whoever the main clerk is told my 9 year old little cousin to not touch the new books. My Aunt says why? Do you not think we can buy it? The main clerk has an attitude & that’s when they got me to leave. It’s pretty sad that Tom & his people think that 1, they have the best books around when most likely they’ve bought them from garage sales & 2, that we would actually need to steal books? Who the hell steals books? It is not the 1900’s where little black kids trying to learn to read might have stole some books but it’s 2014, no one risks jail time for books that you can probably on tablets as everyone has those. When were leaving, my aunt returned a book that she was going to buy to the same place she got it from. Tom or whoever was the store clerk actually said «mmmm hmmm that’s what I thought!» They were so rude, so presumptuous & you just don’t treat people like that. I’m sure the rest of the community in Lodi loves his store but anyone else from out of town like us looking for a book store, don’t go!

This is an OK used book store in Lodi, since Lodi only has 2 used book stores, this is the better of the 2.
There is a large selection of books divided into 3 main rooms. The entrance room has the cashier and customer service and holds mostly larger fiction books from popular authors, this is where you will find all your Danielle Steeles and Stephen Kings.
The second room is non-​fiction, you will find books on history, science, culture, art, gardening, and home improvement here, as well as a few comic book boxes.
The third room holds miscellaneous and fantasy books, as well as electronic media. Here you will find fantasy and sci-​fi paperbacks, cookbooks, medical and spiritual books, and DVDs, CDs, and VHS.
I have a problem with the prices of many books, they are often overpriced, and sit in the same spot for years, it would be helpful if the staff changed book prices occasionally if they don’t sell.
But overall, Tom’s Used Books is a good bookstore for Lodi with friendly staff and a good selection.

Yes, okay they have a wide variety of good books but to pay almost the same price as a good new book is a no thanks. I couldnt believe how over priced the books were. Made me really sad.

I love the smell of old books. There is something about a used book store and the idea that you’re getting to share stories and memories with strangers you’ve never met.
Arranged by various categories, you can easily navigate through the books and their titles.
The staff are relaxed and helpful, eager to point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, there may be hidden gems that you didn’t know existed.

Glad the kids made me go in there.

Amazing. Tom was a SWEETHEART, and the cats (there are 3… including a kitten!) were all so well behaved and adorable. I found every book I was looking for, and it was just a really endearing, awesome spot. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

3 Favorite Lodi Things:
Tom’s Used Books, Lodi Lake, and The Farmer’s Market. Tom’s is SO awesome i wish i could work here! I love the little cat that roams around and the vibe is so chill.. . i could get stuck there for hours and hours.
I find is isnt over priced, and its so much fun going from room to room
I used to work above this place one summer when I was 19, and thinking about Tom’s makes me think about cool quiet summer mornings with coffee in downtown Lodi at Tom’s or walking to Tom’s.

I absolutely love this book store. I go there often and could spend hours finding and reading books. They have a great staff, and a huge selection. And the best thing is they have a cat whom I adore. She follows me around while I shop and she is the sweetest kitty! I love businesses with animals as I am a huge animal lover and it ads a great feeling to the already relaxed and home-​like atmosphere of the store.

I had been wanting to go into Tom’s for a long time, and finally had the opportunity to do so today. I WILL NEVER GO AGAIN!!!
I was happily browsing, and found a couple of books that I wanted to purchase. I had my 5-​year-​old son with me, and he was actually letting me look, so I thought I would get him something as well. I was looking through the picture books, with him about three feet from me. In the middle of the aisle, there was a stack of rather large books, with a piece of white, torn paper with a hand-​written sign as to the price of the stack on top. My son flipped the paper over, just as someone I can only assume was «Tom» walked down the aisle. «Tom» shouted, and I am NOT exaggerating on the term shout, «Don’t touch that! Is he with you? Why are you letting him touch that!!!» Needless to say, I was appalled. First off, their aisles aren’t even wide enough for a wheel chair to get through, and yet they had a stack of books in the middle of it, blocking a third of it. Then he actually yells at a customer? Who does that? Secondly, after I had put my books away where I had gotten them and told him that we wouldn’t be back because he was so rude, he flung open the door, told me to get out, and then said, «FUCK YOU!» Not under his breath, either. Loud enough for my young son and the other three or four children in the place to hear him.
So, unless you like being treated like a sack of garbage, by a man with a mouth as filthy as one, I wouldn’t recommend shopping at Tom’s Used Books.
Oh, and as to the credit card policy, if you don’t spend at least ten dollars and want to use your card, they charge you 50 cents for the use.

Went to the movies across the street and saw this shop, checked the Unilocal reviews and had to check it out for myself!
After the movie me and my husband stopped in.
We walked in and were kindly greeted by an older gentleman and was nicely asked if we needed help.
*Dont ignore the sign about the cat-​I didn’t really think there was an actual cat in the store and it scared me to pieces! LOL! (very friendly and social kitty)
After walking around and admiring the plentiful collection in every room (there are 4) I snagged a Charles Dickens book equipped with 5 novels! YAY for me!
Chatted with the gentleman at the front and it was Tom the owner! :) such a sweet man! We browsered Unilocal together and before I left I grabbed a business card. I live in Stockton but I have no problem driving the distance!!! See you soon Tom! :)

I could spend an entire day in this store. There’s three full rooms of books and ohmy! they even have dvds!
Books from floor to ceiling, reasonably priced, a cat roaming around and sleeping in corners, and creaky floors! I LOVE this place.
LOVE!

One of my favorite book stores. Tom’s tends to have everything I’m looking for and a whole lot more. Being a literature student, I’m frequently in need of expensive texts. I could blow my wallet wide open and buy them all on campus, or I can drive down to Lodi and get affordable copies of everything I need.
The general set up of the shop is attractive and invites a person to explore the shelves. All materials are arranged by genre within the three room shop, with a mixture of VHS, DVD, comic books and the odd video game occasionally. Not to mention that the shop is guarded by a small group of store-​raised cats, who religiously greet patrons and patrol the shelves.
In particular, I like that Tom’s stocks outdated text books, which can be a boon for students gathering information.
Worth a look, especially for the avid reader on a budget.

I like to shop here occasionally. Tom’s is a huge building filled sky high with books from wall to wall. There really isn’t much to say about something like a used book store…
2 things need improvement, if possible:
A) Customer service could be better. It’s not terrible, but it’s no ‘Experience’. The younger ladies that work here are often friendly and more energetic.
B) Find a way to expand the amount of offerings for some of the Categories lacking selection. Such as, cooking, wine, etc.